Restaurants

20 Best East Village NYC Restaurants To Dine At

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The East Village in NYC is a vibrant neighborhood with a diverse dining scene that offers a wide range of restaurants. From cozy eateries to upscale establishments, East Village NYC restaurants have something for every palate.

Whether you're craving Italian pasta, vegan cuisine, or handcrafted cocktails, this lively neighborhood has it all. So why settle for anything less than the very best? Treat yourself to an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of the East Village.

1. Supper

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Supper restaurant offers comforting Italian dishes in a rustic trattoria with an open kitchen. Reservations aren't taken, but there's a charming wine bar nearby to relax while waiting. 

The menu boasts well-executed, reasonably-priced Italian favorites and ever-changing specials. The dimly lit ambiance inside is perfect, especially on a freezing night, with the warm oven in the middle keeping everyone cozy.

Address: 156 E 2nd St, Alphabet City

2. Westville East

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Westville is not fancy or flashy and might not follow the latest diet trends like gluten-free or paleo. Yet, it's consistently the best. 

If you are looking for restaurants in East Village NYC, this can be a reliable go-to for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. With options for everyone, it's a utility spot where waiting for a table at peak times is always worthwhile.

Address: 173 Avenue A, East Village

3. Bar Primi

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Bar Primi is a cozy Bowery neighborhood restaurant specializing in primi piatti, the traditional pasta course.

The space features red leather booths and communal oak farm tables for dining and drinking.  It also offers picolini and Antipasti, artisanal salumi and formaggi, and Vini Italian and cocktails.

Address: 325 Bowery, Lower East Side

4. Cacio e Pepe

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Cacio e Pepe is renowned for its delectable pasta dishes, mainly its homemade cacio e pepe served from a melty pecorino cheese wheel. 

This authentic NYC Italian restaurant also offers classic antipasti, a wide range of meaty main courses, and an extensive wine list.

Address: 182 2nd Ave

5. Sidney’s Five

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Sidney's Five is a lively East Village bar, perfect for hanging out with friends or having a great date night with delicious drinks and food. 

Everything on the drink menu is under $15, and they even offer a full martini menu if that's your vibe. The extensive food menu features items like lamb burgers, chicken skewers, and a raw bar for various tasty options.

Address: 103 1st Ave.

6. Cafe Mogador

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Established in 1983, Cafe Mogador is a family-owned Moroccan restaurant in the East Village and Williamsburg, serving NYC for decades.

Despite appearing like a casual coffee shop, it offers high-quality food at decent prices. They serve fair-trade coffee, organic eggs, and milk for brunch and have a diverse menu at night that includes hummus, baba ghanoush, falafel, couscous, and tagine.

Address: 101 St Marks Pl

7. Gnocco

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Gnocco offers authentic Italian cuisine with an East Village flair. The rustic yet relaxed setting features a garden café and wine bar. 

You can indulge in classic red-sauce pasta, hearty meats, seafood, or a dozen gourmet pizza options for a satisfying Italian dining experience.

Address: 337 E 10th St, Alphabet City

8. Che Li Manhattan

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Che Li masters a unique cooking style, using a special wine-braising technique. They focus on pork and seafood dishes, blending Zhejiang vinegar and Shaoxing rice wine for intricate, gentle, fresh flavors. 

Their specialties include Atlantic blue crab soaked in Shaoxing wine and carp slices marinated and fried to a delightful smoky taste.

Address: 19 St Marks Pl

9. San Marzano

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If you're seeking a convenient Italian dining experience in the East Village, San Marzano is the ideal choice for a boozy brunch in NYC.

They offer bottomless mimosas at just $10, and their egg dishes and paninis top out at $9. The atmosphere is relaxed, and you can enjoy people-watching on the Second Avenue patio.

Address: 117 2nd Ave

10. Dhom

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Dhom offers a unique dining experience, highlighting the vibrant flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine. Their menu, mainly small plates, includes banh-mi options during the day. 

BBQ skewers take center stage, featuring hanger steak, chicken, and duck hearts infused with various aromatics. 

Address: 505 E 12th t

11. Somtum Der

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Looking for an incredible dining experience in the East Village? Look no further than Somtum Der, where Isan Thai cuisine takes center stage! 

Enjoy a fantastic selection of cocktails and Thai beer with must-try dishes like papaya salads and tum thai kai kem. Wrap your meal with grilled meats, larb, and spicy prawn sashimi.

Address: 85 Avenue A, Alphabet City

12. Plado Tasting Bar

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Savor the flavors of the Mediterranean in NYC at Plado. This East Village gem is an international tapas restaurant serving carefully crafted small plates in a tapas style. 

The open kitchen showcases inspired Mediterranean cuisine using fresh, seasonal ingredients. Chef German Rizzo's menu is tailored for a shared dining experience, making it an ideal spot to savor with friends and family.

Address: 192 E 2nd St

13. Bar Verde

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Bar Verde in Manhattan's East Village is a cozy, dimly lit vegan cantina offering flavorful dishes like fiery cauliflower enchiladas and mouthwatering nachos with guacamole and butternut queso. 

It is a haven for vegan enthusiasts, providing a delightful array of Mexican-inspired plates, tacos, and brunch options. The drinks are not to be missed, with a creative cocktail program to complement your meal. 

Address: 65 2nd Ave

14. Thursday Kitchen

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Thursday Kitchen is a fun restaurant with a unique menu featuring small Korean comfort dishes, all priced at $12 or less – a great deal for their size and quality. 

The drink options are limited to wine, beer, sake, and soju, so it's not the place for heavy drinking. But if you want an enjoyable and affordable dining experience with surprisingly great food, this place is worth checking out.

Address: 424 E 9th St

15. Cathédrale Restaurant

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Cathédrale, inspired by New York's classic dining spaces, offers elemental cooking and refined French-Mediterranean hospitality in a stunning setting. 

The restaurant has lofty ceilings and a captivating wire-mesh design where you can enjoy dishes like Ribeye Steak au Poivre, Chickpea Socca Pancake, and Bouillabaisse 'Tetou' for the table, as well as Baked Red Snapper Provençal and Rotisserie Chicken Chasseur.

Address: 112 E 11th St

16. Rosella

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Rosella is a unique sushi restaurant in NYC that serves untraditional fish like porgy and steelhead trout. The restaurant has a warm and lively ambiance with wood detailing. 

A recommended dish to try is their chirashi bowl, consisting of sushi rice topped with a seasonal selection of sashimi, roe, avocado, and Tamago, or have the option of choosing omakase or à la carte.

Address: 137 Avenue A, Alphabet City

17. Ama Raw Bar East Village

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There are many good restaurants in East Village NYC, but Ama Raw Bar stands out for its special Asian-style seafood. They offer fresh oyster happy hour, mussels, sashimi, bao buns, and lobster ramen. 

The bar serves top-notch craft cocktails, and there's a comfy lounge called the “Kiki Room” and a backyard patio. Ama Raw Bar is an awesome spot for delicious seafood with a twist of classic Asian flavors.

Address: 190 Avenue B

18. Foul Witch

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Foul Witch is a trendy spot to chill and enjoy an impressive selection of wine and beer – perfect for that friend who loves fancy craft beer. 

They offer great drinks, bread, and a must-try Fire & Ice appetizer with stracciatella and 'nduja, along with a couple of other small plates. Dessert lovers will appreciate the slightly savory twist on the sweet treats here.

Address: 15 Avenue A

19. Via Della Pace

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Via Della Pace is a hidden gem on the Lower East Side, renowned for its unique and affordable Italian food, impressive wine collection, and exclusive ambiance.

The menu at this East Village restaurants New York highlights signature dishes like "The Fettuccine Mama Munda," paired perfectly with freshly made Sangria and an inventive cocktail list.

Address: 87 E 4th St

20. Lil' Frankie's

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Lil' Frankie's captures the essence of Italy's casual neighborhood pizzerias, offering a laid-back atmosphere to gather with friends, eat, drink, and chat. 

The menu, featuring Neapolitan pizzas, fresh salads, pastas, well-prepared veggies, and delicious entrees, consistently delivers satisfying and shareable dishes. So, plan a visit today to enjoy the simplicity and tastiness of the food at this relaxed spot.

Address: 19 1st Ave.